USC inked 10 players to letters of intent during the inaugural early signing period before Christmas, one of the smaller classes in the Pac-12 Conference.

Coach Clay Helton hinted at the time the Trojans would be able to sign more players during the traditional February signing date as a result. National Signing Day is Wednesday.

Among those already in the fold, Helton and his staff stockpiled more recruits on defense, with seven defensive players – including four linebackers, three players selected for the U.S. Army All-American Bowl and a junior college defensive lineman.

OL Justin Dedich: Played center and on the defensive line at Chaparral High in Temecula, helping the Pumas reach the CIF Southern Section Division 5 quarterfinals. So far the only interior offensive lineman signed or committed to USC. Also showed versatility as the goalkeeper for Chaparral’s soccer team.

OL Liam Douglass: The Trojans’ second offensive lineman to sign in December lined up as a tackle at Harvard-Westlake. Also played on the defensive line, where he finished with 16 tackles, four sacks and a forced fumble and was named co-most valuable lineman for the Angelus League with Gabriel Grbavac of St. Francis.

LB Palaie Gaoteote IV: One of the top linebackers in the nation after finishing with 80 tackles, including 20 for loss, three sacks and two forced fumbles in 2017 for powerhouse Bishop Gorman High in Las Vegas. Nephew of former NFL safety Ma’a Tanuvasa, he’s a candidate to wear the fabled jersey No. 55, last worn by Lamar Dawson from 2011-15.

S Talanoa Hufanga: The two-way standout at Crescent Valley High in Corvallis, Ore., who lined up at wide receiver and safety will be a defensive back at USC. Had 44 tackles, four interceptions and a recovered fumble as a senior. Cousin is Marlon Tuipulotu, a defensive tackle for the Trojans who appeared in three games as a freshman in 2017 before season-ending back surgery.

LB Kana’i Mauga: Among the four linebackers who signed early with USC and an athletic outside linebacker, listed at 6-foot-2, 220 pounds, from Waianae, Hawaii. Led Waianae to the Hawaii High School Athletics Association open division semifinals. Also played tight end.

LB Abdul-Malik McClain: Former UCLA commit who also played defensive end at JSerra High, establishing a reputation as a prolific pass rusher, ending with 45 tackles, plus 18 sacks as a senior. The 6-foot-4, 230-pound recruit could develop into a hybrid edge rusher much like USC linebackers Porter Gustin, Oluwole Betiku and Connor Murphy.

LB Raymond Scott: Four-year starter at Narbonne High who played inside linebacker until a move to outside linebacker as a senior, when he led the Gauchos to a CIF State Division 1-A championship. One of USC’s two linebacker signees who appeared in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in January, joining Gaoteote.

RB Markese Stepp: Missed three games as a senior at Cathedral High in Indianapolis, but rushed for 975 yards, averaging almost eight yards per carry, with 17 touchdowns to help his team reach the Class 5A state semifinals. Former Notre Dame commit instead signed with the Trojans due to connections with former running backs coach Deland McCullough — a teammate of his father at Miami (Ohio).

DT Caleb Tremblay: The one junior-college recruit among USC’s 10 early signees, enrolling for spring practice with two seasons of eligibility left. Finished with 44 tackles, including 9.5 behind the line of scrimmage, and 4.5 sacks last season for American River Community College in Sacramento. The 6-foot-5 prospect adds size to the defensive line. Also received a scholarship offer from Alabama.

CB Chase Williams: The one cornerback to join USC during the early signing period — a position of need as six of the Trojans’ nine cornerbacks on the roster entering 2018 are upperclassmen, including four who are seniors. Played wide receiver as well at cornerback at Roosevelt High in Eastvale. Had 25 tackles and an interception on defense.

Joey Kaufman is the USC beat writer for the Southern California News Group. Since joining the Orange County Register in 2015, he has also covered Major League Baseball and UCLA athletics. His work has been recognized by the Associated Press Sports Editors and Football Writers Association of America. Kaufman grew up in beautiful downtown Burbank.